Of the many negative health effects of obesity, cancer is one of the most serious. While the link between cancer and obesity has been proven in many studies, it’s been demonstrated again by a recent British study of more than five million people.

Researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine monitored changes to their subjects’ health over the course of seven years. The scientists found that weight gain was clearly and linearly linked to a greater risk for six different kinds of cancer. While this is the largest study to confirm the link between obesity and cancer, it’s definitely not the first.

So what’s the best way to tackle the obesity crisis and in turn help people reduce their cancer risk? Many suggest putting the responsibility on society: increasing taxes on unhealthy snacks or limiting food commercials to certain times of day. However, even if these tactics are enacted, they could take years to change perceptions and influence the economy, grocery store shelves and people’s personal habits.

If you want to take the initiative yourself, losing weight is a great way to help decrease cancer risk, along with a host of other diseases and illnesses.

“The best way to reduce your cancer risk is to not be obese,” Dr. Dirk says. “The best way to not be obese is to practice good nutrition and daily aerobic exercise for one hour every day.”

“Obesity surgery helps get rid of high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux, high cholesterol and joint pain — and it reduces your risk for cancer,” Dr. Dirk says. “If you’re concerned about obesity and your health, it’s time to give some obesity surgery some serious thought in order to start living a long, healthy life.”